MADE IN CORFU

Creative professionals implementing fresh ideas into timeless products prove that everything on the island is born from a vision.

Corfu Design Route is a guide to exploring what’s authentic and modern about Corfu. The creativity of new designers is rooted in common denominators: uniqueness and quality. Their range of products are multifaceted and original: traditional soaps, naturally-scented candles, award-winning olive oil, ceramics, handmade children’s shoes, sandals, leather bags, upcycled sailcloth bags, timeless clothing and accessories. Corfu –imaginative and avant-garde– is here to stay.

Patounis Soap Factory

The historic factory of Patounis Soaps nestles in the bustling city centre. Spanning five generations, the company remains faithful to making soaps from traditional recipes using 100% pure oils from olives and olive pomace. All of their soaps are chemical and additive-free. Their preparation, cutting, sealing, storage on wooden racks, and packaging constitute a living memory of a unique local tradition.

Choe Candles

Choe, a ceremonial mixture of wine and honey, was an offering made by ancient Greeks to their ancestors and the gods of the underworld. In a workshop nestled in the small village of Kanakades, Eleni and Spyros Moumouris of Choe Candles make candles from raw, sustainable soy and beeswax. The mixture, with scents of herbs, fruits and flowers, is hand-poured into beautiful containers honouring nature and the ancient ways of Corfiot culture.

Dr. Kavvadia’s Organic Farm

Among the products keeping Corfu a step ahead, Dr. Kavvadia, an award-winning olive oil from the heartland of the Porsanidis family, deserves a prominent place. The family farm resides in Tzavros of central Corfu, five kilometres north of the city. Its history dates back to the late 18^th century with the construction of a small olive press near the farm’s groves. Packaged imaginatively, the Lianelia and Thiakos varieties of local olive oil are preeminent.

Myrto Zirini Ceramics

In the quiet area of Mouragia in Corfu, sunlight streams into the studio of the architect, interior designer and ceramicist Myrto Zirini. Her enthusiasm for clay and its ability to transform ceramics into threedimensional shapes glimmers in her eyes. She forms vessels according to the inherent mechanical strengths, colours and simplicity that characterize the Ionian landscape, similar to how stones are shaped and polished smooth by the sea. She combines this information into contemporary designs and architectural forms, creating functional objects of great beauty. For Myrto, the entire process –the contact between her hands and the material– is therapeutic.

Ancient Greek Sandals

In one of the most beautiful parts of the Οld Τown, up a spiral staircase to the third floor of an elegant neoclassical building with large windows opening to views of the sea, is the delightful world of Ancient Greek Sandals. Designed by Christina Martini and handcrafted by skilled artisans, the famous sandal brand, inspired by Greek mythology, is sold in over 350 locations worldwide.

Salty Bag

From a small workshop in town, Stratis Andreadis, creator of Salty Bag, handcrafts accessory handbags from upcycled sailcloth and other hardwearing materials. The weather-resistant nature of these fabrics redefines the concept of longevity and practicality in accessory bags. Contemporary and original, his creations are a benchmark of design imbued with respect for the environment.

Corfoot

Tucked amongst the alleyways beyond the square of Old Town Hall, colourful pairs of children’s shoes pop from the window of Corfoot. Since 2009, Brazilian-born Juliane Henkel has been designing and making shoes for little ones in Corfu. This venture stemmed from dissatisfaction with a pair previously bought for her son, his first. From then till now, Juliane has been making up to twenty a day. Her kicks, made of eco-friendly materials, have tots and their parents all over Greece extremely satisfied.

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TEXT & PHOTOS : NIKOS KOKKAS